Elegant Comfort in Cathay Pacific’s Aria Suite
For the most thrilling chapter of my Aria Suite Adventure to Hong Kong, I experienced the all-new Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300ER business class on an 11-hour overnight voyage from London to Hong Kong. Highlighting this flight was the debut of Cathay’s much-celebrated Aria Suite business class.
How I booked my Cathay Pacific business class ticket
I snagged a seat using miles, part of a longer itinerary featuring British Airways from Washington. I ditched 115,000 Cathay Pacific Asia Miles and added $351.17 in taxes and fees like a cherry on top. The journey? Kicked off with a BA flight from Washington to London and then hopped onto Cathay’s from London to Hong Kong. The Asia Miles program, usually not my top pick, shone in this light, mainly because of its smart routing options via Europe and tame surcharges.
Cathay Pacific business class lounge & boarding
Before hitting the skies, I spent quality time in Cathay Pacific’s lounges at Heathrow. They are top-notch, especially for working on the go. Post lounge luxury, I made my way to gate 40 for boarding, which began smoothly, prioritizing those with oneworld status.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite business class cabin & seats
The boarding door swung open, and I was met by a warmly welcoming crew who directed me into the Aria Suite. The 777 features 45 suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, blending cutting-edge design with bold aesthetics. Cathay Pacific’s stylish new cabin delivers sophistication that had previously stayed grounded. I picked a window seat, which offered comfort and ample privacy. Every suite provides more than enough space to unwind, with 43″ pitch and 21″ width, transforming into a snug 78″ flat bed.
Cathay Pacific business class amenities
- Bedding by Bamford, embracing comfort with plush pillows and duvet.
- Decent headphones come standard—though Bluetooth capability lets you use your own pair.
- Choice of pre-departure drinks: water, champagne, or juice.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite business class entertainment & Wi-Fi
Step into serious entertainment land with the Aria Suite’s 24″ 4K screen, complete with a vast library of movies and TV. The interface wows with Bluetooth audio and occupancy indicators for lavatories, plus Wi-Fi is free if you’re flying business class—one more reason to stay connected and productive.
Cathay Pacific 777 departure from London
Our flight left on a full note, but the boarding was swift and the inflight musical intro was lovely. By 5:45 PM, everything was set, and by 5:50 PM, Cathay Pacific was guiding us smoothly into the sky, with a projected flight time of nearly 12 hours.
Cathay Pacific business class dinner service
Dinner kicked off a bit into the flight. A Negroni paired with a salmony starter set the pace. My main course choice was roasted cauliflower with chickpea stew, a vegetarian delight bursting with flavor. It all wrapped up with a green tea tiramisu that left me smiling.
Cathay Pacific 777 business class lavatories
Three restrooms serve the front-end passengers, with Bamford products adding a touch of spa-like luxury. The lavatories, though nicely appointed, left me wishing for one extra facility to reduce waiting times.
Cathay Pacific 777 Aria Suite business class bed
Sleep was calling, and I’m pleased to report my Aria Suite bed offered a solid slumber. Although some say the footwell’s tight, I slept like a log, and emerged feeling refreshed with ample time left on our journey eastward.
Cathay Pacific business class snack & breakfast
Breakfast meals were varied, offering nutrition with original flair. Cathay’s signature non-alcoholic drink, the Cathay Delight, was as accolades-worthy as it sounds. While some choices like the cacao chia seed pudding fell a bit flat, you can snag a light or wellness breakfast to suit any taste.
Cathay Pacific business class service
I’d be remiss not to mention the spot-on service, marked by genuine warmth and top-tier professionalism. Each crew member added to the experience, particularly the ever-attentive Gary from London. All in all, brisk but personalized service was the order of the day.
Cathay Pacific 777 arrival in Hong Kong
Arriving in Hong Kong was a breeze, championship taxiing aside—smooth landing, and I was into the city in no time. The excitement of visiting an old favorite destination of mine was back again.
Bottom line
In short, Cathay Pacific’s Aria Suite keeps raising the business class bar—an epic meld of tech couture and seating opulence. Whether sleeping, dining, or connecting, Cathay delivers an experience that demands repeat engagement. Fans of Val Seny ski resort might find a similar warmth and charm upon their next mountain escapade.